Parade of Homes: A sneak peek at the Parade of Homes

Everyone Loves a Parade

By Janet Reynolds/Life@Home

The 12th annual Parade of Homes by Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association is switching things up this year, moving its popular event from autumn to spring. Executive Officer Pam Krison says the association had been thinking about making this seasonal change for a while. “The weather cooperated this year,” Krison says. “The spring market is when the public wants to see houses and the builders came on board.”

Fifteen houses will be featured in this event, which will be held June 2-3 and 9-10. Participating builders include Amedore Homes, Bella Home Builders, Belmonte Builders, Bryland, Camelot Associates Corp, High Rock Condominiums, John A. Paige Jr. Contracting, Keystone Builders, Parkside at the Crossings, Patanian Homes, Saratoga Builders, 17 Chapel, the Michaels Group, Tralongo Builders, Witt Construction.

“Having been a member of the Parade of Homes Committee since 2000, when it began, I can honestly say that I am most excited and encouraged by the response we have received from the builders for this year’s event,” says Ed Gilligan, chairperson 2012 parade committee. “To get 15 of the most prestigious homebuilders in the area to participate is phenomenal, and believe me, they are enthused to show the public their finest.”

The parade’s intent is twofold: to build community awareness of the builders and to educate the public about the latest construction trends. “Design technology changes every year and the public likes to know so they can have the latest trends,” Krison says.

To that end, six of the homes in this year’s parade reflect a growing building trend called new urbanism, a term that is based on people’s growing interest in sustainable living. Communities that fall into this planning process are generally more compact and offer more walkable opportunities. People interested in homes with more land will have plenty to view as well, says Krison. “No two homes are alike.”

Tickets are $15 and valid for all four days. In addition to viewing the homes, the parade will feature two Chefs on Parade events on June 1 for the southern homes and June 8 for the northern homes. Tickets to this are $35. The American Cancer Society is once again the nonprofit recipient of proceeds from the Parade.

The CRBRA will also feature a home tour in the October focused entirely on green building. Called the Green and Sustainable Home Tour, the weekend event on Oct. 13-14 will feature homes built on eco-friendly principles as well as learning labs about the latest in green construction. “We want them to come into homes and learn about sustainability, which is often behind the walls (and therefore not visible),” Krison says. This particular home tour will focus on homes in Schenectady and Saratoga counties., Krison says, noting it will move to different counties each year.

Parkside at the Crossings

6 Mulberry Drive, Colonie

This home in a 55-plus community is a perfect example of new urbanism, thanks to its convenient location within walking distance of the Crossings, Colonie Center and the Ciccotti Recreation Center. “It’s one of the major draws,” says Frank Barbera, vice president of Parkside at the Crossings, “along with the fact that it’s a maintenance-free community. It’s turn-key literally.”

The home has what Barbera calls “a soft urban feel” with a more contemporary look. (Blairhouse Interiors did the interior design.) Buyers for these homes are “in a new part of their lives and we wanted a feel to reflect that. This is a young-at-heart group of people,” he adds. “This is the start of another phase (in their lives).” Homes in the complex have universal design features as well as eco-friendly options such as bamboo floors.

Pictured here is the great room, part of an open floor plan. All three models in the complex have first floor master bedrooms. Prices range from $302,900-$327,900.

Keystone Builders

The Gables at Delmar, 10 Penny Lane, Bethlehem

Like the other new urbanism homes in the Parade, the Gables is located close to everything. The Bethlehem library is across the street, town hall is nearby, and Delmar’s popular “Four Corners,” with its plethora of shopping and restaurant options, is within walking distance.

The open floor plan of this home, the 2,205-square-foot Hampton, makes entertaining a snap. “We wanted to go a little larger for entertaining and someone interested in cooking,” Carrie Bolduc says of the space and upgrade items that include a 36-inch range. The larger island, meanwhile, helps create “a place to gather.” The appliances are GE Monogram stainless steel and the lighting brings “in an eclectic feel,” adds Bolduc, who styled the home. “We’re sharing the old with the new.” Prices for the three models start at $369,900.

Amedore Homes

Greyledge Estates, 62 Adrianan Lane, Albany

It’s all about location, says Peter Amedore of Greyledge Estates. The 49-unit development abuts the Wolferts Roost Country Club and is just a short drive from Newton Plaza one way and downtown Albany the other. Add in the maintenance-free living idea and you’ve got a perfect spot for young professionals and empty nesters. To date, 17 units have been sold.

Pictured here is the Morgan, which is 1,800 square feet. It has a first floor master bedroom. Base price is $259,900, with this particular one going for $279,900. All models feature a full basement and attached garage, and range from 1,800 to 2,300 square feet.

(Photos by Krishna Hill/Life@Home)

For more information on the Parade, go to www.crbra.com. You can also view the Parade of Homes Official Guide 2012 as an online flip book below.